OEM

[tyski]

I've wondered this forever, so out of curiosity, what the heck does OEM stand for? Thanx.

 

[Biggs]

Original Equipment Manufacturer

 

[esung]

actually, it's supposedly Original Endorsed Manufacture.. but it's true meaning has long been misused.. just like RMA...

 

[Budman]

OEM usually means a shorter warranty And no documentation is included with the product.

 

[tyski]

and the fact that you're getting ripped a new one

 

[Dan]

tyski: What are you referring to? Are you saying that OEM products are inferior to retail ones? If so, you're off-base.

 

[thorin]

Biggs
Hit the nail square on the head. "Original Equipment Manufacturer" That's exactly what it stands for.

Dan
"tyski: What are you referring to? Are you saying that OEM products are inferior to retail ones? If so, you're off-base."

I completely agree.

Here's what one source says:
(n) Stands for original equipment manufacturer, which is a misleading term for a company that has a special relationship with computer producers. OEMs buy computers in bulk and customize them for a particular application. They then sell the customized computer under their own name. The term is really a misnomer because OEMs are not the original manufacturers -- they are the customizers. Another term for OEM is VAR(value-added reseller ) (v) To provide equipment to another company, an OEM, which customizes and markets the equipment.

Here's dictionary.com's def'n

Thorin